Quick answer
MOTN Festival runs at Al Mugheirah Bay and Al Jahili Park from 28 November to 2 December 2026, then Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December to 3 January 2027. Confirm tickets and daily hours with the organiser before visiting.
Key takeaways
- Three locations have different dates.
- The 10th edition is themed World of Wonder.
- Ticket prices and daily hours were not specified in the launch announcements.
In this article
Abu Dhabi’s MOTN Festival has announced its winter return, giving families three locations to choose from for its 10th edition. The overall programme runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with different dates for each destination.
Abu Dhabi Media Office confirms the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is organising the festival, with Brag producing the event. This year’s theme is World of Wonder, bringing together rides, food, gaming and live entertainment. The announcement is useful for planning ahead, especially if you are choosing between an Al Ain outing, an Al Dhafra visit and an evening on Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Dates to save
Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra Region and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain Region will host the festival from 28 November to 2 December. The Abu Dhabi Corniche programme follows from 9 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
That means the full festival window does not apply to every venue. Check the dates for your chosen location before making travel plans, and share the location alongside the date when arranging a group visit.
What is new this year?
The Abu Dhabi City programme introduces three themed areas. Melting Aurora is aimed at younger visitors, with a focus on imagination and discovery. Beyond the Sky is designed for teenagers and young adults, while The Golden Hour brings together dining, shopping and entertainment for a wider audience.
Organisers also describe art installations, performances by local and international artists, and food concepts making their Abu Dhabi debut. The announcement gives an overview of the experience, rather than a complete day-by-day performance timetable.
Before you go
The announcements reviewed do not specify ticket prices, daily opening hours or a complete artist lineup. Use the festival’s official website, motn.ae, for those details as they are released. Avoid treating an older edition’s ticket or schedule information as the plan for 2026.
Save the dates now, then confirm your chosen venue’s current visitor information before travelling. Emirates Amazing shares information to help you plan your visit; tickets and admission information should come directly from the organiser.
More UAE stories and outing ideas.
AI-generated illustrative artwork; not a photograph of MOTN Festival or its installations.
Frequently asked questions
When is MOTN Festival 2026?
Al Mugheirah Bay and Al Jahili Park run 28 November–2 December 2026. Abu Dhabi Corniche runs 9 December 2026–3 January 2027.
Are ticket prices and opening hours confirmed?
The launch announcements reviewed do not specify prices or daily hours. Check motn.ae for current visitor details.
Do all three venues run for the full festival window?
No. Al Dhafra and Al Ain finish on 2 December; the Corniche programme begins on 9 December.
